Pittwater Life May 2022 Issue

Esme aims for ‘eventful’ life
Newport’s Esme Sergi is a breath of fresh air
for our hospitality and tourism industries,
just when they need it most.
The just-turned 18-year-old finished first
in the state in last year’s HSC Tourism, Travel
and Events Examination, studying a Certificate
III in Events at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches
while completing her HSC at Northern Beaches
Secondary College Freshwater Senior Campus.
Now she’s been snapped up by the Boathouse
Group, which is helping her gain experience
in wedding events (at Moby Dick’s at
Whale Beach) and develop the skills she needs
to realise her ambitions.
While at high school Esme took on a range
of volunteer roles and work experience to
understand the concepts involved in working
in the industry.
“Volunteering in years 11 and 12 at Seniors
Week at the ICC and Careers Expo at Miramar
Gardens allowed me to put what I had learnt in
the classroom at TAFE into practice at a reallife
event,” Esme said.
“I also did work experience at my local
junior rugby league club, the Mona Vale Raiders,
in coordinating canteen rosters and some
game-day logistics.
“Then in the HSC exam I felt confident
as I had experienced events first-hand and
understood the logistics, pre, during and after
an event.”
Esme says she was drawn to tourism due
to its “shifting landscape” – especially having
witnessed it struggle and then try to rebound
post-COVID.
“We certainly live in a world that is changing,”
she said. “And tourism provides so many
different destinations and regions that are
available, especially in our own country.”
TAFE NSW Team Leader of Tourism, Travel
and Events, Maryanne Metry said Esme’s statetopping
result in the HSC was testament to her
commitment to excellence in the tourism and
events industries.
“Esme’s exceptional results in the HSC
reflect not just her hard work and dedication,
but also the quality, hands-on training TAFE
NSW provides students to help them reach
their career ambitions and ensure we have a
skilled and capable workforce of the future,”
Ms Metry said.
“I have no doubt Esme will go on to be a
great ambassador for TAFE NSW and enjoy a
successful career in the events industry.”
And where does Esme see herself in 10
years?
“I hope to be working in a high position
for a stadium or sporting organisation in the
running of large sporting events in Australia
– and hopefully be a part of the Brisbane Summer
Olympics 2032!”
– Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2022 11